ACC ~ Acts 13 v13 - 15

OVERVIEW:

Again, Luke accents the new position of Paul (“Paul and his company”) and shows them following a pattern of going to the Jews first as at Cyprus. It is interesting that none of the Fathers make much comment about John Mark’s leaving the missionary band. Paul shows patience, prudence and courage in his conduct (CHRYSOSTOM).

13:14 | Going into the Synagogue

THEY PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE WORD. CHRYSOSTOM: “They sat down in the synagogue,” he says, “and on the sabbath day,” to prepare the way beforehand for the Word. And they did not speak first but when invited, seeing that they summoned them as strangers. Had they not waited, there would have been no discourse. Here for the first time we have Paul preaching. And notice his wisdom: where the word was already sown, he passes on; but where there was none, he makes a stay. It is as he himself writes, “Yes, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named.” Great courage was also embodied in this. Truly from the very outset a wonderful man! Crucified, drawn up in the line of battle, he knew how great was the grace he obtained, and he brought in an equal zeal. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 28.